The power of a family meeting

I think family meetings are incredibly important, and it was actually my brother, Tommy, who really introduced me to this concept. And it's a religious tradition, and I really like it, because it's very simple. And it sort of works like this in my family. I call for a family meeting, and it's a time when we all gather, and it's sort of an open platform for my children to speak about anything and everything, with no limits, no risks of getting into trouble, no one holding any grudges, and it's really a free space to communicate as a family. I think it's important, because it promotes dialogue, and sometimes we come to a family meeting, and no one wants to talk. Well, I always want to talk. My husband and I always want to talk, but sometimes the kids don't really know what to say, and you can start a family meeting by saying, "So, is there anything that anyone wants to talk about?" It's like crickets. "Is there anything bothering anybody?" And then all of the sudden things start coming up. So, the deep meaning behind it is to prove to your children that above all, first and foremost, our family comes first, and our family is most important. So, if every Thursday night, for example, at 5:30 we're having a family meaning, that means every Thursday night at 5:30, this is our priority, and nothing can really interfere with that. So, nothing else gets planned, and that shows the children that our family is more important than anything else. I think that's great. But it also creates an open dialogue. So, it maybe is a time, for me as a mother, to say, "I've been feeling a little bit bad about the way that I disciplined you yesterday, and I really apologize for that if I hurt your feelings, and are we good? Are we okay with that?" I think it's really important to be accountable, as a parent, to be honest, to be authentic, to be able to share the feelings that you have behind some decisions that you make. So, it's an opportunity for everybody to discuss anything they want. Anything that's bothering you. Anything we need to change. Sibling rivalries. Whatever is going on, but it's an important commitment that you make as a family where "This is our open free space to talk." And I love it. Family meetings are great.

Brooke Burke-Charvet

TV Host & CEO of ModernMom.com

Whether she's in sweats or sequins, Brooke Burke-Charvet strives to dance through the chaos of life as a TV star, entrepreneur, fitness expert and carpool mom with grace and a LOL sense of humor. In addition to co-hosting 8 seasons of ABC's megahit, "Dancing with the Stars," Brooke won the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy as Season 7's champion. In 2014 Brooke became a Fitness Fashion Designer, launching her active line CAELUM LifeStyle. She is the the CEO of ModernMom.com and recognized by Forbes as 1 of the top Mom Bloggers to follow. She became a Fitness teacher and created the Booty Burn Program after launching 4 fitness DVD titles with Sony. Recognized world wide for her healthy life style, she has graced the cover of countless magazines. Brooke is committed to sharing her relatable journey with her 5 mil plus social media followers. As Author of The Naked Mom, and CEO of ModernMom.com Brooke has become a trusted and relatable voice to moms everywhere. She is an active philanthropist and passionate about being the Smile Ambassador for Operation Smile. Married to her soulmate, David Charvet, BB puts family first and never loses sight of the woman behind the scenes.

I think family meetings are incredibly important, and it was actually my brother, Tommy, who really introduced me to this concept. And it's a religious tradition, and I really like it, because it's very simple. And it sort of works like this in my family. I call for a family meeting, and it's a time when we all gather, and it's sort of an open platform for my children to speak about anything and everything, with no limits, no risks of getting into trouble, no one holding any grudges, and it's really a free space to communicate as a family. I think it's important, because it promotes dialogue, and sometimes we come to a family meeting, and no one wants to talk. Well, I always want to talk. My husband and I always want to talk, but sometimes the kids don't really know what to say, and you can start a family meeting by saying, "So, is there anything that anyone wants to talk about?" It's like crickets. "Is there anything bothering anybody?" And then all of the sudden things start coming up. So, the deep meaning behind it is to prove to your children that above all, first and foremost, our family comes first, and our family is most important. So, if every Thursday night, for example, at 5:30 we're having a family meaning, that means every Thursday night at 5:30, this is our priority, and nothing can really interfere with that. So, nothing else gets planned, and that shows the children that our family is more important than anything else. I think that's great. But it also creates an open dialogue. So, it maybe is a time, for me as a mother, to say, "I've been feeling a little bit bad about the way that I disciplined you yesterday, and I really apologize for that if I hurt your feelings, and are we good? Are we okay with that?" I think it's really important to be accountable, as a parent, to be honest, to be authentic, to be able to share the feelings that you have behind some decisions that you make. So, it's an opportunity for everybody to discuss anything they want. Anything that's bothering you. Anything we need to change. Sibling rivalries. Whatever is going on, but it's an important commitment that you make as a family where "This is our open free space to talk." And I love it. Family meetings are great.